Chapter 7

DC Circuits

7.1 Introduction .......................................................................................................... 7-3
Example 7.1.1: Junctions, branches and loops ........................................................ 7-4
7.2 Electromotive Force ............................................................................................. 7-5

7.3 Electrical Energy and Power ................................................................................ 7-9

7.4 Resistors in Series and in Parallel ...................................................................... 7-10

7.5 Kirchhoffs Circuit Rules................................................................................... 7-12

7.6 Voltage-Current Measurements ......................................................................... 7-14

7.7 Capacitors in Electric Circuits ........................................................................... 7-15

7.7.1 Parallel Connection .................................................................................... 7-16
7.7.2 Series Connection ....................................................................................... 7-17
Example 7.7.1: Equivalent Capacitance ................................................................ 7-19
Example 7.7.2: Capacitance with Dielectrics ........................................................ 7-19
7.8 RC Circuit .......................................................................................................... 7-20
7.8.1 Charging a Capacitor .................................................................................. 7-20
7.8.2 Discharging a Capacitor ............................................................................. 7-24
7.9 Summary ............................................................................................................ 7-26

7.10 Problem-Solving Strategy: Applying Kirchhoffs Rules ................................... 7-27

7.11 Solved Problems ................................................................................................ 7-31

7.11.1 Equivalent Resistance................................................................................. 7-31
7.11.2 Variable Resistance .................................................................................... 7-32
7.11.3 RC Circuit................................................................................................... 7-33
7.11.4 Parallel vs. Series Connections .................................................................. 7-34
7.11.5 Resistor Network ........................................................................................ 7-36
7.11.6 Equivalent Capacitance .............................................................................. 7-37
7.12 Conceptual Questions ........................................................................................ 7-38

7.13 Additional Problems .......................................................................................... 7-39

7-1
7.13.1 Resistive Circuits ........................................................................................ 7-39
7.13.2 Multi-loop Circuit....................................................................................... 7-39
7.13.3 Power Delivered to the Resistors ............................................................... 7-40
7.13.4 Resistor Network ........................................................................................ 7-40
7.13.5 RC Circuit................................................................................................... 7-40
7.13.6 Resistors in Series and Parallel .................................................................. 7-41
7.13.7 Capacitors in Series and in Parallel ............................................................ 7-41
7.13.8 Power Loss and Ohms Law ...................................................................... 7-42
7.13.9 Power, Current, and Potential difference ................................................... 7-42

7-2
 Chapter 7
Direct-Current Circuits
7.1 Introduction

Electrical circuits connect power supplies to loads such as resistors, capacitors, motors,
heaters, or lamps. The connection between the supply and the load is made by soldering
with wires that are often called leads, or with many kinds of connectors and terminals.
Energy is delivered from the source to the user on demand at the flick of a switch.
Sometimes many circuit elements are connected to the same lead, which is the called a
common lead for those elements. Various parts of the circuits are called circuit elements,
which can be in series or in parallel, as we have already seen in the case of capacitors.

A node is a point in a circuit where three or more elements are soldered together. A
branch is a current path between two nodes. Each branch in a circuit can have only one
current in it although a branch may have no current. A loop is a closed path that may
consist of different branches with different currents in each branch.

A direct current (DC) circuit is a circuit is which the current through each branch in the
circuit is always in the same direction. When the power supply is steady in time, and then
the circuit is a purely resistive network then the current in each branch will be steady, that
is the currents will not vary in time. In later chapters, when we introduce inductors into
circuits with capacitance, transient power supplies initiate free oscillating currents.
Finally when the power supply itself oscillates in time, then an alternating current (AC)
is set up in the circuit.

Figure 7.1.1 Elements connected (a) in parallel, and (b) in series.

7-3
Example 7.1.1: Junctions, branches and loops

In the circuit shown in Figure 7.1.1(a), there are two junctions, A and B, on either side of
light bulb 1. There are three branches: branch 1 goes from A to B through the battery,
branch 2 goes from A to B through light bulb 1, and branch 3 goes from A to B through
light bulb 2. There are three closed loops. We shall describe the loops by arbitrarily
starting at junction A. Loop 1 consists of branches 1 and 2; it starts at junction A, passes
through the battery to junction B, and then from junction B back to junction A through
light bulb 1. Loop 2 consists of branches 2 and 3; it starts at junction A, passes through
light bulb 1 to junction B, then continues through light bulb 2 back to junction A. Loop 3
consists of branches 1 and 3; it stars at junction A, passes through the battery to junction
B, then continues through bulb 2 back to junction A. The circuit shown in Figure 7.1.1(b)
has no junctions, one branch and one closed loop.

Elements are said to be in parallel when they are connected across the same potential
difference. Both light bulbs in Figure 7.1.1(a) are connected across the battery. Generally,
loads are connected in parallel across the power supply. On the other hand, when the
elements are connected one after another in a branch, the same current passes through
each element, and the elements are in series (see Figure 7.1.1b).

There are pictorial diagrams that show wires and components roughly as they appear, and
schematic diagrams that use conventional symbols, somewhat like road maps. Some
frequently used symbols are shown in the Table below.

Often there is a switch in series; when the switch is open the load is disconnected; when
the switch is closed, the load is connected.

Electromotive Source
Seat of emf

Resistor

Switch

One can have closed circuits, through which current flows, or open circuits in which there
are no currents. Usually by accident, wires may touch, causing a short circuit. Most of
the current flows through the short, very little will flow through the load. This may burn
out a piece of electrical equipment such as a transformer. To prevent damage, a fuse or
circuit breaker is put in series. When there is a short the fuse blows, or the breaker opens.

7-4
In electrical circuits, a point (or some common lead) is chosen as the ground. This point
is assigned an arbitrary voltage, usually zero, and the voltage V at any point in the circuit
is defined as the potential difference between that point and ground.

7.2 Electromotive Force

Consider an electric circuit shown in Figure 7.2.1(a). To drive the current around the
circuit, the battery undergoes a discharging process that converts chemical energy into
electric energy that eventually gets dissipated as heat in the resistor.

In the external circuit, the electrostatic field, E , is directed from the positive terminal of
the battery to the negative terminal of the battery, exerting a force on the charges in the
wire to produce a current from the positive to the negative terminal. The electrostatic
field also insures that the current in the wire is uniform. Recall that the electrostatic field
is a conservative vector field and so the line integral around the loop in Figure 7.2.1(b) is
zero,

ds = 0
E (7.2.1)
loop

Figure 7.2.1(a) A simple circuit

consisting of a battery and a resistor Figure 7.2.1(b) Integral of electrostatic
field is zero around loop.

Inside the battery, in the region close to the positive terminal, the electrostatic field points
away from the positive terminal. In the region close to the negative terminal, the
electrostatic field points towards the negative terminal. (In the region in between, the
electrostatic field may point in either direction depending on the nature of the battery.)
The current is directed from the negative to the positive terminals. Near both terminals,
the electrostatic field points in the opposite direction of the current.

In order to maintain the current, there must that be some force that transports charge
carriers in the opposite direction in which the electrostatic field is trying to move them.
The origin of this source force, Fs , in batteries is a chemical force. In the regions near the
terminal where chemical reactions are taking place, chemical forces move charge carriers
in the opposite direction in which the electrostatic field is trying to move them. The work
done per unit charge by this source force in moving a charge carrier with charge q from
the negative to the positive terminal is given by the expression,

7-5
 pos
pos
Fs
q
d s = fs d s , (7.2.2)
neg neg

where fs is the source force per unit charge. Outside the battery fs = 0 , so we extend the
path in Eq. (7.2.2) to theentire loop. In that case, the work done per unit charge by the
non-electrostatic force, Fs , around a closed path is commonly referred to as the
electromotive force, or emf (symbol ).

+
+
Fs
fs d s = q
ds = f s
ds . (7.2.3)
closed
path

This is a poor choice of name because it is not a force but work done per unit charge. The
SI unit for emf is the volt (V).

Inside our ideal battery without any internal resistance, the sum of the electrostatic force
and the source force on the charge is zero,

q E + q fs = 0 . (7.2.4)

Therefore the electrostatic field is equal in magnitude to the source force per unit charge
but opposite in direction,
E = fs . (7.2.5)

The electric potential difference between the terminals is defined in terms of the
electrostatic field
+
+
V (+) V () = E d s = fs d s = . (7.2.6)

The potential difference V between the positive and the negative terminals of the
battery is called the terminal voltage, and in this case is equal to the emf .

Electromotive force is not restricted to chemical forces. In Figure 7.2.2, the inner
working of a Van de Graaff generator are displayed. An electric motor drives a non-
conducting belt that transports charge carriers in a direction opposite the electric field.
The positive charge carriers are moved from lower to higher potential, and negative
charge carriers are moved from higher to lower potential. Strong local fields at the
brushes of the terminals both add and remove charge carriers from the belt. An electric
motor provides the energy to move the belt and hence is the source of the electromotive
force.

7-6
 Figure 7.2.2 Van de Graaff generator

Solar cells and thermocouples are also examples of emf source. They can also be thought
of as a charge pump that moves charges from lower potential to higher potential.

Consider a simple circuit consisting of a battery as the emf source and a resistor of
resistance R, as shown in Figure 7.2.3.

Figure 7.2.3(a) Electric potential Figure 7.2.3(b) Circuit diagram.

difference for leg 1 and leg 2 sum to
zero.

The circuit diagram in Figure 7.2.3(b) corresponds to the circuit in Figure 7.2.3(a). The
electric potential difference around the loop is zero because the electrostatic field is
conservative, Eq. (7.2.1). We can divide the loop into two legs; leg 1 goes from the
positive terminal to the negative terminal through the external circuit, and leg 2 goes
from the negative terminal to the positive terminal through the battery,

+
0= E d s = 0 = E d s1 E d s2 , (7.2.7)
loop +

The integral via leg 1 in the external circuit is just the potential difference across the
resistor, which is given by Ohms Law, where we have assumed that the wires have
negligible resistance,

7-7


V1 = E d s1 = IR . (7.2.8)
+

The integral via leg 2 through the battery is the emf (Eq. (7.2.6),

+

V2 = E d s = . (7.2.9)

Eq. (7.2.7) becomes

0 = V1 + V2 = IR + . (7.2.10)

Therefore the current in the loop is given by

I= . (7.2.11)
R

However, a real battery always carries an internal resistance r (Figure 7.2.4a), and the
potential difference across the battery terminals becomes

V = Ir . (7.2.12)

Figure 7.2.4 (a) Circuit with an emf source having an internal resistance r and a resistor
of resistance R. (b) Change in electric potential around the circuit.

Because there is no net change in potential difference around a closed loop, we have

Ir IR = 0 . (7.2.13)

Therefore the current through the circuit is

7-8

I= . (7.2.14)
R+r

Figure 7.2.4(b) depicts the change in electric potential as we traverse the circuit
clockwise. From the figure, we see that the highest potential is immediately after the
battery. The potential drops as each resistor is crossed. Note that the potential is
essentially constant along the wires. This is because the wires have a negligibly small
resistance compared to the resistors.

7.3 Electrical Energy and Power

Consider a circuit consisting of an ideal battery (zero internal resistance) and a resistor
with resistance R (Figure 7.3.1). The potential difference between two points a and b be
= Vb Va > 0 . If a charge q is moved through the battery, its electric potential energy
is increased by U = q . On the other hand, as the charge moves across the resistor,
the potential energy is decreased due to collisions with atoms in the resistor. If we neglect
the internal resistance of the battery and the connecting wires, upon returning to a, the
change in potential energy of q is zero.

Figure 7.3.1 A circuit consisting of an ideal battery with emf and a resistor of
resistance R.

The rate of energy loss through the resistor is given by

U q
P= = = I . (7.3.1)
t t

This is equal to the power supplied by the battery. Using = IR in Eq. (7.3.1), one may
rewrite the rate of energy loss through the resistor as
P = I 2R . (7.3.2)

Using I = / R in Eq. (7.3.1), the power delivered by the battery is

P = 2 / R . (7.3.3)

7-9
 Figure 7.3.2 A circuit consisting of a battery with emf and a resistor of resistance R.

For a battery with emf and internal resistance r (Figure 7.3.2), the power or the rate at
which chemical energy is delivered to the circuit is

P = I = I ( IR + Ir ) = I 2 R + I 2 r . (7.3.4)

The power of the source emf is equal to the sum of the power dissipated in both the
internal and load resistance as required by energy conservation.

7.4 Resistors in Series and in Parallel

The two resistors with resistance R1 and R2 in Figure 7.4.1 are connected in series to a
source of emf . By current conservation, the same current, I , is in each resistor.

Figure 7.4.1 (a) Resistors in series. (b) Equivalent circuit.

The total voltage drop from a to c across both elements is the sum of the voltage drops
across the individual resistors:

= V = I R1 + I R2 = I(R1 + R2 ) . (7.4.1)

7-10
The two resistors in series can be replaced by one equivalent resistor Req (Figure 7.4.1b)
with the identical voltage drop = V = I Req that implies that

Req = R1 + R2 . (7.4.2)

The above argument can be extended to N resistors placed in series. The equivalent
resistance is just the sum of the original resistances,

N
Req = R1 + R2 + = Ri . (7.4.3)
i =1

Notice that if one resistance R1 is much larger than the other resistances Ri , then the
equivalent resistance Req is approximately equal to the largest resistor R1 .

Next lets consider two resistors R1 and R2 that are connected in parallel across a source
of emf , (Figure 7.4.2a).

Figure 7.4.2 (a) Two resistors in parallel. (b) Equivalent resistance

By current conservation, the current I that passes through the source of emf must divide
into a current I1 that passes through resistor R1 and a current I2 that passes through
resistor R2 . Each resistor individually satisfies Ohms law, V1 = I1 R1 and V2 = I 2 R2 .
However, the potential across the resistors are the same, V1 = V2 = . Current
conservation then implies
1 1
I = I1 + I 2 = + = + . (7.4.4)
R1 R2 R1 R2

The two resistors in parallel can be replaced by one equivalent resistor Req with = IReq
(Figure 7.4.2b). Comparing these results, the equivalent resistance for two resistors that
are connected in parallel is given by

7-11
 1 1 1
= + . (7.4.5)
Req R1 R2

This result easily generalizes to N resistors connected in parallel

N
1 1 1 1 1
= + + + = . (7.4.6)
Req R1 R2 R3 i =1 Ri

When one resistance R1 is much smaller than the other resistances Ri , then the equivalent
resistance Req is approximately equal to the smallest resistor R1 . In the case of two
resistors,
RR RR
Req = 1 2 1 2 = R1 .
R1 + R2 R2

This means that almost all of the current that enters the node point will pass through the
branch containing the smallest resistance. So, when a short develops across a circuit, all
of the current passes through this path of nearly zero resistance.

7.5 Kirchhoffs Circuit Rules

In analyzing circuits, there are two fundamental (Kirchhoffs) rules.

Junction Rule

At any point where there is a node formed by the junction of various current carrying
branches, by current conservation, the sum of the currents into the node must equal the
sum of the currents out of the node (otherwise charge would build up at the junction);

I in = I out . (7.5.1)

As an example, consider Figure 7.5.1 below:

Figure 7.5.1 Kirchhoffs junction rule.

According to the junction rule, the three currents are related by

7-12
 I1 = I 2 + I 3 .
Loop Rule

The sum of the voltage drops V , across any circuit elements that form a closed circuit
is zero:
V = 0 .
closed loop
(7.5.2)

The rules for determining V across a resistor and a battery with a designated travel
direction are shown below:

Figure 7.5.2 Rules for determining potential difference across resistors and batteries.

Note that the choice of travel direction is arbitrary. The same equation is obtained
whether the closed loop is traversed clockwise or counterclockwise.

Example 7.5.1: Voltage divider

Consider a source of emf = Vin that is connected in series to two resistors, R1 and R2

Figure 7.5.3 Voltage divider.

The potential difference, Vout , across resistor R2 will be less than Vin . This circuit is
called a voltage divider. From the loop rule,

7-13
 Vin IR1 IR2 = 0 . (7.5.3)

Therefore the current in the circuit is given by

Vin
I= (7.5.4)
R1 + R2

Thus the potential difference, Vout , across resistor R2 is given by

R2
Vout = IR2 = Vin . (7.5.5)
R1 + R2

Note that the ratio of the potential differences characterizes the voltage divider and is
determined by the resistors:
Vout R2
= (7.5.6)
Vin R1 + R2

7.6 Voltage-Current Measurements

Any instrument that measures potential difference or current will disturb the circuit under
observation. In some devices, known as ammeters, the current in a coil will cause meter
movement (arising from the torque on a magnetic dipole in an magnetic field, a topic will
soon study) or some change will result in a digital display. There will be some potential
difference due to the resistance of the current through the ammeter. An ideal ammeter
has zero resistance. However in the case of an ammeter that has resistance of 1 on the
250 mA range. The drop of 0.25 V may or may not be negligible; knowing the meter
resistance allows one to correct for its effect on the circuit.

An ammeter can be converted to a voltmeter by putting a resistor R in series with the coil
movement. The potential difference across some circuit element can be determined by
connecting the coil movement and resistor in parallel with the circuit element. This
causes a small amount of current to flow through the coil movement. The voltage drop
across the element can now be determined by measuring I and computing the voltage
drop from V = IR , which is read on a calibrated scale. The larger the resistance R , the
smaller the amount of current is diverted through the coil. Thus an ideal voltmeter would
have an infinite resistance.

Resistor Value Chart

0 Black 4 Yellow 8 Gray
1 Brown 5 Green 9 White
2 Red 6 Blue 1 Gold
3 Orange 7 Violet 2 Silver

7-14
The colored bands on a composition resistor specify numbers according to the chart
above (2-7 follow the rainbow spectrum). Starting from the end to which the bands are
closest, the first two numbers specify the significant figures of the value of the resistor
and the third number represents a power of ten by which the first two numbers are to be
multiplied (gold is 10 1). The fourth specifies the tolerance, or precision, gold being
5% and silver 10%. As an example, a 43- (43 ohms) resistor with 5% tolerance is
represented by yellow, orange, black, and gold.

7.7 Capacitors in Electric Circuits

A capacitor can be charged by connecting the plates to the terminals of a battery, which
are maintained at a potential difference V , (terminal voltage).

Figure 7.7.1 Charging a capacitor.

The connection results in sharing the charges between the terminals and the plates. For
example, the plate that is connected to the positive terminal will acquire some positive
charge, the plate that is connected to the negative terminal will acquire some negative
charge. The sharing causes a momentary reduction of charges on the terminals, and a
decrease in the terminal voltage. Chemical reactions are then triggered to transfer more
charge from one terminal to the other to compensate for the loss of charge to the
capacitor plates, and maintain the terminal voltage at its initial level. The battery can thus
be thought of as a charge pump that brings a charge Q from one plate to the other.

7-15
7.7.1 Parallel Connection

Figure 7.7.2(a) Capacitors connected in parallel.

Suppose we have two capacitors C1 with charge Q1 and C2 with charge Q2 that are
connected in parallel, as shown in Figure 7.7.2(a). The left plates of both capacitors C1
and C2 are connected to the positive terminal of the battery and have the same electric
potential as the positive terminal. Similarly, both right plates are negatively charged and
have the same potential as the negative terminal. Thus, the potential difference | V | is
the same across each capacitor. This gives

Q1 Q2
C1 = , C2 = . (7.7.1)
| V | | V |

Figure 7.7.3(b) Capacitors in parallel and an equivalent capacitor.

7-16
These two capacitors can be replaced by a single equivalent capacitor Ceq with a total
charge Q supplied by the battery (Figure 7.7.2(b)). However, since Q is shared by the two
capacitors, we must have

Q = Q1 + Q2 = C1 | V | +C2 | V |= ( C1 + C2 ) | V | . (7.7.2)

The equivalent capacitance is given by

Q
Ceq = = C1 + C2 . (7.7.3)
| V |

Thus, capacitors that are connected in parallel add. The generalization to any number of
capacitors is

N
Ceq = C1 + C2 + C3 + + C N = Ci (parallel) . (7.7.4)
i =1

7.7.2 Series Connection

Figure 7.7.3(a) Capacitors in series and an equivalent capacitor.

Suppose two initially uncharged capacitors C1 and C2 are connected in series, as shown
in Figure 7.7.3(a). A potential difference | V | is then applied across both capacitors.
The left plate of capacitor 1 is connected to the positive terminal of the battery and
becomes positively charged with a charge +Q, while the right plate of capacitor 2 is
connected to the negative terminal and becomes negatively charged with charge Q as
electrons flow in. What about the inner plates? They were initially uncharged; now the
outside plates each attract an equal and opposite charge. So the right plate of capacitor 1
will acquire a charge Q and the left plate of capacitor +Q.

7-17
 Figure 7.7.3(b) Capacitors in series and an equivalent capacitor.

The potential differences across capacitors C1 and C2 are

Q Q
| V1 | = , | V2 | = . (7.7.5)
C1 C2

respectively. From Figure 7.7.3(b), the total potential difference is the sum of the two
individual potential differences:

| V | = | V1 | + | V2 | . (7.7.6)

In fact, the potential difference across any number of capacitors in series connection is
equal to the sum of potential differences across the individual capacitors. These two
capacitors can be replaced by a single equivalent capacitor Ceq = Q / | V | . Using the fact
that the potentials add in series,

Q Q Q
= + .
Ceq C1 C2

and so the equivalent capacitance for two capacitors in series becomes

1 1 1
= + . (7.7.7)
Ceq C1 C2

The generalization to any number of capacitors connected in series is

N
1 1 1 1 1
= + + + = (series ) . (7.7.8)
Ceq C1 C2 C N i =1 Ci

7-18
Example 7.7.1: Equivalent Capacitance

Find the equivalent capacitance for the combination of capacitors shown in Figure 7.7.4(a)

Figure 7.7.4 (a) Capacitors connected in series and in parallel

Solution: Because C1 and C2 are connected in parallel, their equivalent capacitance C12
is given by
C12 = C1 + C2 .

Figure 7.7.4 (b) and (c) Equivalent circuits.

Now capacitor C12 is in series with C3, as seen from Figure 7.7.4(b). So, the equivalent
capacitance C123 is given by
1 1 1
= + ,
C123 C12 C3
or
C C
C123 = 12 3 = 1
(C + C2 )C3
.
C12 + C3 C1 + C2 + C3

We also comment that the configuration is equivalent to two capacitors connected in

series, as shown in Figure 7.7.4(a).

Example 7.7.2: Capacitance with Dielectrics

A non-conducting slab of thickness t, area A and dielectric constant e is inserted into the
space between the plates of a parallel-plate capacitor with spacing d, charge Q and area A,
as shown in Figure 7.7.5(a). The slab is not necessarily halfway between the capacitor
plates. What is the capacitance of the system?

7-19
 (a) (b)

Figure 7.7.5 (a) Capacitor with a dielectric. (b) Electric field between the plates.

Figure 7.7.6 Equivalent configuration.

Using Eq. ((7.7.7)) for capacitors connected in series and Eq. 5.4.19 for the capacitance
of a parallel plate capacitor with a dielectric, we have that

1 1 1 d t t
= + = + . (7.7.9)
Ceq C1 C2 0 A e 0 A

Therefore the equivalent capacitance is

( 0 A)( e 0 A)
Ceq = . (7.7.10)
(d t) e 0 A + t 0 A

7.8 RC Circuit

We now consider capacitive circuits with a steady source of emf in which the current will
vary in time.

7.8.1 Charging a Capacitor

Consider the circuit shown below. The capacitor is connected to a steady source of emf
that does not vary in time. At time t = 0 , the switch S is closed. The capacitor initially is
uncharged, q (t = 0) = 0 . In particular for t < 0 , there is no potential difference across the
capacitor.

7-20
 Figure 7.8.1 (a) RC circuit diagram for t < 0. (b) Circuit diagram for t > 0.

At t = 0 , the switch is closed and current begins to flow according to

I0 = . (7.8.1).
R

At this instant, the potential difference from the battery terminals is the same as that
across the resistor. This initiates the charging of the capacitor. As the capacitor starts to
charge, the potential difference across the capacitor increases in time

q (t )
VC (t ) = . (7.8.2)
C

Figure 7.8.2 Rules for determining potential difference across capacitors.

We now use the loop rule that the sum of the potential differences around a closed loop is
zero. We traverse the loop in the clockwise direction, and according the rules shown in
Figure 7.8.2 for capacitors, VC = q / C . Therefore the loop rule becomes

0 = I(t) R q / C . (7.8.3)

The charge on the positive plate is increasing due to the addition charge that flows
towards it,
dq
I =+ , (charging) . (7.8.4)
dt
Therefore Eq. (7.8.3) becomes

7-21
 dq q
0= R . (7.8.5)
dt C

The current flow in the circuit will continue to decrease because the charge already
present on the capacitor makes it harder to put more charge on the capacitor. Once the
charge on the capacitor plates reaches its maximum value Q, the current in the circuit will
drop to zero. This is evident by rewriting the loop law as

I(t) R = VC (t) . (7.8.6).

Thus, the charging capacitor satisfies a first order differential equation that relates the rate
of change of charge to the charge on the capacitor according to

dq 1 q
= . (7.8.7)
dt R C

This equation can be solved by the method of separation of variables. The first step is to
separate terms involving charge and time, (this means putting terms involving dq and q
on one side of the equality sign and terms involving dt on the other side),

dq 1 dq 1
= dt = dt . (7.8.8).
q R q C RC

C

Now we can integrate both sides of the above equation,

q d q 1 t
0 q C = RC 0 d t . (7.8.9)

which yields
q C t
ln = . (7.8.10)
C RC

Exponentiate both sides of Eq. (7.8.10) using the fact that exp(ln x) = x to yield

q(t) = C (1 et / R C ) = Q(1 et / R C ) , (7.8.11)

where Q = C is the maximum amount of charge stored on the plates. The time
dependence of q (t ) is plotted in Figure 7.8.3 below:

7-22
 Figure 7.8.3 Plot of charge q(t) on capacitor as a function of time during the charging
process.

Once we know the charge on the capacitor we also can determine the potential difference
across the capacitor,
q(t)
VC (t) = = (1 et / R C ) . (7.8.12)
C

The graph of potential difference as a function of time has the same form as Figure 7.8.3.
From the figure, we see that after a sufficiently long time the charge on the capacitor
approaches the value
q (t = ) = C = Q . (7.8.13).

At that time, the potential difference across the capacitor is equal to the source emf and
the charging process effectively ends,

q(t = ) Q
VC = = =. (7.8.14).
C C

The current that flows in the circuit is equal to the derivative in time of the charge,

dq t / R C
I(t) = = e = I 0 et / R C . (7.8.15).
dt R

The coefficient in front of the exponential, I 0 = / R , is equal to the initial current that
flows in the circuit when the switch was closed at t = 0 . The graph of current as a
function of time is shown in Figure 7.8.4.

Figure 7.8.4 Plot of current I(t) as a

function of time during the charging
process.

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 Figure 7.8.5 Plot of potential difference
VC (t) across capacitor as a function of
time during the charging process.

The current in the charging circuit decreases exponentially in time, I(t) = I 0 et / R C . This
function is often written as I(t) = I 0 et / where = RC is called the time constant. The
SI units of are seconds, as can be seen from the dimensional analysis:

[ ][F]=([V] [A])([C] [V])=[C] [A]=[C] ([C] [s])=[s] .

The time constant is a measure of the decay time for the exponential function. This
decay rate satisfies the following property,

I (t + ) = I (t ) e 1 , (7.8.16)

which shows that after one time constant has elapsed, the current falls off by a factor of
e 1 = 0.368 , as indicated in Figure 7.8.4. Similarly, the potential difference across the
capacitor, Figure 7.8.5, can also be expressed in terms of the time constant ,

VC (t) = (1 et / ) . (7.8.17)

Notice that initially at time t = 0 , VC (t = 0) = 0 . After one time constant has elapsed,
the potential difference across the capacitor plates has increased by a factor
(1 e 1) = 0.632 of its final value,

VC ( ) = (1 e1 ) = 0.632 . (7.8.18)

7.8.2 Discharging a Capacitor

Suppose initially the capacitor has been charged to some value Q. For t < 0 , the switch is
open and the potential difference across the capacitor is given by VC = Q / C . The
potential difference across the resistor is zero because there is no current through it, I = 0 .
Now suppose at t = 0 the switch is closed (Figure 7.8.6). The capacitor will begin to
discharge.

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 Figure 7.8.6 Discharging the RC circuit

The charged capacitor is now acting like a voltage source to drive current around the
circuit, however the force on the charges is due to the electric fields. When the capacitor
discharges (electrons flow from the negative plate through the wire to the positive plate),
the potential difference across the capacitor decreases. The capacitor is losing strength as
a voltage source. Traverse the loop counterclockwise, applying VC = +q / C , (Figure
7.8.2) then the loop rule that describes the discharging process is given by

q
IR = 0 . (7.8.19)
C

The charge on the positive plate is decreasing as charge flows away from the positive
plate,
dq
I = . (7.8.20)
dt

Thus, charge satisfies a first order differential equation:

q dq
+R = 0. (7.8.21).
C dt

This equation can also be integrated by the method of separation of variables

dq 1
= dt , (7.8.22)
q RC
which yields
q dq 1 t q t
Q q
=
RC 0
dt ln =
Q RC
. (7.8.23)

After exponentiation,
q(t) = Q et / RC . (7.8.24)

The potential difference across the capacitor is then

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 q(t) Q t / RC
VC (t) = = e ; (7.8.25)
C C

A plot of potential difference across the capacitor vs. time for the discharging capacitor is
shown in Figure 7.8.7.

Figure 7.8.8 Plot of current I(t) as a

Figure 7.8.7 Plot of potential difference function of time for discharging
VC (t) across the capacitor as a capacitor.
function of time for discharging
capacitor.

The current also exponentially decays in the circuit as can be seen by differentiating the
charge on the capacitor
dq Q t / RC
I(t) = = e . (7.8.26)
dt RC

A plot of the current flowing in the circuit as a function of time also has the same form as
the potential difference graph depicted in Figure 7.8.8.

7.9 Summary

The equivalent resistance of a set of resistors connected in series:

N
Req = R1 + R2 + R3 + = Ri .
i =1

The equivalent resistance of a set of resistors connected in parallel:

N
1 1 1 1 1
= + + + = .
Req R1 R2 R3 i =1 Ri

Kirchhoffs rules:

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 (1) The sum of the currents directed into a node (junction of branches) is equal to
the sum of the currents directed out of the node:

I in = I out .

(2) The algebraic sum of the changes in electric potential in a closed-circuit loop
is zero.
V = 0 .
closed loop

Power, or rate at which energy is delivered to the resistor is

( V )
2

P = I V = I 2
R= .
R

Power, or rate at which energy is delivered from source of emf

P = I .

The equivalent capacitance of capacitors connected in parallel and in series are

Ceq = C1 + C2 + C3 + (parallel) ,

1 1 1 1
= + + + (series) .
Ceq C1 C2 C3

In a charging capacitor, the charge and the current as a function of time are

t / RC
q(t) = Q(1 et / RC ), I(t) = e .
R

In a discharging capacitor, the charge and the current as a function of time are

Q t / RC
q(t) = Q et / RC , I(t) = e .
RC

7.10 Problem-Solving Strategy: Applying Kirchhoffs Rules

In this chapter we have seen how Kirchhoffs rules can be used to analyze multi-loop
circuits. The steps are summarized below:

(1) Draw a circuit diagram, and label all the quantities, both known and unknown. The

7-27
 number of unknown quantities is equal to the number of linearly independent
equations we must look for.

(2) Assign a direction to the current in each branch of the circuit. (If the actual direction
is opposite to what you have assumed, your result at the end will be a negative
number.) Let B equal to the number of branches.

(3) If there are M junctions, apply the junction rule to M 1 junctions. Applying the
junction rule to the last junction will not yield a new independent relationship among
the currents.

(4) If there are N loops, apply the loop rule to N 1 loops. Applying the loop rule to the
last loop will not yield a new independent relationship among the loop equations.

Then
B = ( M 1) + (N 1) (7.10.1)

For example, if there are three branches with three unknown currents than there must be
two junctions and three loops. Therefore we must write down one junction equation and
two loop equations to total three linearly independent equations in order to have a unique
solution.

Traverse the loops using the convention below for electric potential difference V across
each circuit element:

resistor

emf
source

capacitor

The same equation is obtained whether the closed loop is traversed clockwise or
counterclockwise.

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(5) Solve the simultaneous equations to obtain the solutions for the unknown quantities.

As an example of illustrating how the above procedures are executed, lets analyze the
circuit shown in Figure 7.10.1.

Figure 7.10.1 A multi-loop circuit.

Suppose the emf sources 1 and 2 , and the resistances R1 , R2 and R3 are all given, and
we would like to find the currents through each resistor, using the methodology outlined
above.

(1) The unknown quantities are the three currents I1 , I 2 and I 3 , associated with the three
resistors. Therefore, to solve the system, we must look for three independent equations.

(2) The directions for the three currents are arbitrarily assigned, as indicated in Figure
7.10.2.

Figure 7.10.2

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(3) Applying Kirchhoffs junction rule to node b yields

I1 + I 2 = I 3 ,

because I1 and I 2 are leaving the node while I 3 is entering the node. The same equation
is obtained if we consider node c.

(4) The other two equations can be obtained by using the loop rule, which states that the
sum of the potential difference across all elements in a closed circuit loop is zero.
Traversing the first loop befcb in the clockwise direction yields

I 2 R2 1 + I1 R1 2 = 0 .

Similarly, traversing the second loop abcda clockwise gives

2 I1 R1 I 3 R3 = 0 .

Note however, that one may also consider the big loop abefcda. This leads to

I 2 R2 1 I 3 R3 = 0 .

However, the equation is not linearly independent of the other two loop equations since it
is simply the sum of those equations.

(5) The solutions to the above three equations are given by, after tedious but
straightforward algebra,

1 R3 + 2 R3 + 2 R2
I1 = ,
R1 R2 + R1 R3 + R2 R3

1 R1 + 1 R3 + 2 R3
I2 = ,
R1 R2 + R1 R3 + R2 R3

2 R2 1 R1
I3 = .
R1 R2 + R1 R3 + R2 R3

Note that I2 is a negative quantity. This simply indicates that the direction of I2 is
opposite of what we have initially assumed.

7-30
7.11 Solved Problems

7.11.1 Equivalent Resistance

Consider the circuit shown in Figure 7.11.1. For a given resistance R0 , what must be the
value of R1 so that the equivalent resistance between the terminals is equal to R0 ?

Figure 7.11.1 Resistor network

Solution: We first add resistances R = R0 + R1 because those resistors are in series to

obtain our first equivalent network (Figure 7.11.2(a).)

(a) (b)

Figure 7.11.2 (a) and (b) Equivalent networks

Because the two resistors in the equivalent network are in parallel the inverse of the
equivalent resistance, R , is obtaining by adding the resistances inversely,

1 1 1 1 1 R0 + 2R1
= + = + = .
R R1 R R1 R0 + R1 R1 (R0 + R1 )

Therefore after some algebra,

R1 (R0 + R1 )
R = .
R0 + 2R1

The second equivalent network is shown in Figure 7.11.2(b). Because the new equivalent
resistor with resistance R is in series with the fourth resistor with resistance R1, the
equivalent resistance of the entire configuration becomes

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 R1 (R0 + R1 ) 3R12 + 2R1 R0
Req = R1 + R = R1 + = .
R0 + 2R1 R0 + 2R1
If Req = R0 , then
R0
R0 (R0 + 2R1 ) = 3R12 + 2R1 R0 R0 2 = 3R12 R1 = .
3

7.11.2 Variable Resistance

Show that, if a battery of fixed emf and internal resistance r is connected to a variable
external resistance R , the maximum power is delivered to the external resistor when
R=r.

Solution: Using Kirchhoffs rule,

= I(R + r) ,
which implies

I= .
R+r

The power dissipated in the resistor is equal to

2
P = I 2R = R.
(R + r)2

To find the value of R which gives out the maximum power, we differentiate P with
respect to R and set the derivative equal to 0,

dP 1 2R rR
= 2 2
= 2 = 0,
(R + r) (R + r) (R + r)3
2
dR

which implies
R=r.

This is an example of impedance matching, in which the variable resistance R is

adjusted so that the power delivered to it is maximized. The behavior of P as a function
of R is depicted in Figure 7.11.2.

7-32
 Figure 7.11.2 Plot of power dissipated P(R) as a function of R .

7.11.3 RC Circuit

In the circuit in Figure 7.11.3, suppose the switch has been open for a very long time. At
time t = 0 , it is suddenly closed.

Figure 7.11.3

(a) What is the time constant before the switch is closed?

(b) What is the time constant after the switch is closed?

(c) Find the current through the switch as a function of time after the switch is closed.

Solutions: (a) Before the switch is closed, the two resistors with resistances R1 and R2
are in series with the capacitor. Since the equivalent resistance is Req = R1 + R2 , the time
constant is given by
= Req C = (R1 + R2 )C .

The amount of charge stored in the capacitor is

q(t) = C (1 et / ) .

(b) After the switch is closed, the closed loop on the right becomes a decaying RC circuit
with time constant = R2C . Charge begins to decay according to

7-33
 q(t) = C et / .

(c) The current passing through the switch consists of two sources: the steady current I1
from the left circuit, and the decaying current I 2 from the RC circuit. The currents are
given by

I1 =
R1
dq C t / t / R C
I (t) = = e = e 2 .
dt ' R2

The negative sign in I (t ) indicates that the direction of flow is opposite of the charging
process. Thus, since both I1 and I move downward across the switch, the total current is

t / R2 C
I(t) = I1 + I (t) = + e .
R1 R2

7.11.4 Parallel vs. Series Connections

Figure 7.11.4 show two resistors with resistances R1 and R2 connected in parallel and in
series. The battery has emf .

(b)
(a)

Figure 7.11.4 (a) parallel, (b) series

Suppose R1 and R2 are connected in parallel (Figure 7.11.4(a)).

(a) Find the power delivered to each resistor.

(b) Show that the sum of the power used by each resistor is equal to the power supplied
by the battery.

7-34
Suppose R1 and R2 are now connected in series.

(c) Find the power delivered to each resistor.

(d) Show that the sum of the power used by each resistor is equal to the power supplied
by the battery.

(e) Which configuration, parallel or series, uses more power?

Solutions:

(a) When two resistors are connected in parallel, the current through each resistor is

I1 = , I2 = ,
R1 R2

and the power delivered to each resistor is given by

2 2
P1 = I12 R1 = , P2 = I 22 R2 = .
R1 R2

The results indicate that the smaller the resistance, the greater the amount of power
delivered. If the loads are the light bulbs, then the one with smaller resistance will be
brighter since more power is delivered to it.

(b) The total power delivered to the two resistors is

2 2 2
PR = P1 + P2 = + = ,
R1 R2 Req
where
1 1 1 R1 R2
= + Req =
Req R1 R2 R1 + R2

is the equivalent resistance of the circuit. On the other hand, the total power supplied by
the battery is P = I , where I = I1 + I 2 , as seen from Figure 7.11.4(a). Thus,

2 2 2
P = I1 + I 2 = + = + = = PR ,
R1 R2 R1 R2 Req

as required by energy conservation.

(c) When the two resistors are connected in series (Figure 7.11.4(b)), the equivalent
resistance becomes
7-35
 Req = R1 + R2 ,

and the currents through the resistors are

I1 = I 2 = I = .
R1 + R2

Therefore, the power delivered to each resistor is

2 2

P1 = I R1 =
1
2
R1 , P2 = I R2 =
2
2 R2 .
R1 + R2 R1 + R2

Contrary to what we have seen in the parallel case, when connected in series, the greater
the resistance, the greater the fraction of the power delivered. Once again, if the loads are
light bulbs, the one with greater resistance will be brighter.

(d) The total power delivered to the resistors is

2 2
2 2
PR = P1 + P2 = R +
1 R
2 = = .
R1 + R2 R1 + R2 R1 + R2 Req

On the other hand, the power supplied by the battery is

2 2
P = I = = = .
R1 + R2 R1 + R2 Req

Again, we see that P ' = PR ' , as required by energy conservation.

(e) Comparing the results obtained in (b) and (d), we see that

2 2 2
P = + > = P ,
R1 R2 R1 + R2

which means that the parallel connection uses more power. The equivalent resistance of
two resistors connected in parallel is always smaller than that connected in series.

7.11.5 Resistor Network

Consider a cube that has identical resistors with resistance R along each edge, as shown
in Figure 7.11.5.

7-36
 Figure 7.11.5 Resistor network

Find the equivalent resistance between points a and b .

Solution: From symmetry arguments, the current which enters a must split evenly, with
I / 3 going to each branch. At the next junction, say c, I / 3 must further split evenly with
I / 6 going through the two paths ce and cd. The current going through the resistor in db
is the sum of the currents from fd and cd , therefore

I / 6 + I / 6 = I /3.

Thus, the potential difference between a and b can be obtained as

I I I 5
Vab = Vac + Vcd + Vdb = R + R + R = IR .
3 6 3 6

Hence the equivalent resistance is

5
Req = R.
6

7.11.6 Equivalent Capacitance

Consider the configuration shown in Figure 7.11.6. Find the equivalent capacitance,
assuming that all the capacitors have the same capacitance C.

Figure 7.11.6 Combination of Capacitors

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Solution: For capacitors that are connected in series, the equivalent capacitance is

1 1 1 1
= + + = (series) .
Ceq C1 C2 i Ci

On the other hand, for capacitors that are connected in parallel, the equivalent
capacitance is
Ceq = C1 + C2 + = Ci (parallel) .
i

Using the above formula for series connection, the equivalent configuration is shown in
Figure 7.11.7.

Figure 7.11.7

Now we have three capacitors connected in parallel. The equivalent capacitance is given
by
1 1 11
Ceq = C 1 + + = C .
2 3 6

7.12 Conceptual Questions

1. Given three resistors of resistances R1 , R2 and R3 , how should they be connected to (a)
maximize (b) minimize the equivalent resistance?

2. Why do the headlights on the car become dim when the car is starting?

3. Does the resistor in an RC circuit affect the maximum amount of charge that can be
stored in a capacitor? Explain.

4. Can one construct a circuit such that the potential difference across the terminals of the
battery is zero? Explain.

5. Two conductors A and B of the same length and radius are connected across the same
potential difference. The resistance of conductor A is twice that of B. To which conductor
is more power delivered?

7-38
7.13 Additional Problems

7.13.1 Resistive Circuits

Consider two identical batteries of emf and internal resistance r . They may be
connected in series or in parallel and are used to establish a current in resistance R as
shown in Figure 7.13.1.

(a)
(b)

Figure 7.13.1 Two batteries connected in (a) series, and (b) parallel.

(a) Derive an expression for the current in R for the series connection shown in Figure
7.13.1(a). Be sure to indicate the current on the sketch (to establish a sign convention for
the direction) and apply Kirchhoff's loop rule.

(b) Find the current for the parallel connection shown in Figure 7.13.1(b).

(c) For what relative values of r and R would the currents in the two configurations be
the same; be larger in Figure 7.13.1(a); be larger in 7.13.1(b)?

7.13.2 Multi-loop Circuit

Consider the circuit shown in Figure 7.13.2. Neglecting the internal resistance of the
batteries, calculate the currents through each of the three resistors.

Figure 7.13.2

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7.13.3 Power Delivered to the Resistors

Consider the circuit shown in Figure 7.13.3. Find the power delivered to each resistor.

Figure 7.13.3

7.13.4 Resistor Network

Consider an infinite network of resistors of resistances R0 and R1 shown in Figure 7.13.4.

Show that the equivalent resistance of this network is

Req = R1 + R12 + 2 R1 R0 .

Figure 7.13.4

7.13.5 RC Circuit

Consider the circuit shown in Figure 7.13.5. Let = 40 V , R1 = 8.0 , R2 = 6.0 ,

R3 = 4.0 and C = 4.0 F . The capacitor is initially uncharged.

Figure 7.13.5

7-40
At t = 0 , the switch is closed.

(a) Find the current through each resistor immediately after the switch is closed.

(b) Find the final charge on the capacitor.

7.13.6 Resistors in Series and Parallel

A circuit containing five resistors and a 12 V battery is shown in Figure 7.13.6. Find the
potential drop across the 5 resistor. [Ans. 7.5 V].

Figure 7.13.6

7.13.7 Capacitors in Series and in Parallel

A 12-Volt battery charges the four capacitors shown in Figure 7.13.7.

Figure 7.13.7

Let C1 = 1 F, C2 = 2 F, C3 = 3 F, and C4 = 4 F.

7-41
(a) What is the equivalent capacitance of the group C1 and C2 if switch S is open (as
shown)?
(b) What is the charge on each of the four capacitors if switch S is open?
(c) What is the charge on each of the four capacitors if switch S is closed?

7.13.8 Power Loss and Ohms Law

A 1500 W radiant heater is constructed to operate at 115 V.

(a) What will be the current in the heater? [Ans. ~10 A]

(b) What is the resistance of the heating coil? [Ans. ~10 ]

(c) How many kilocalories are generated in one hour by the heater? (1 Calorie = 4.18 J)

7.13.9 Power, Current, and Potential difference

A 100-W light bulb is plugged into a standard 120-V outlet. (a) How much does it cost
per month (31 days) to leave the light turned on? Assume electricity costs 6 cents per
kW h. (b) What is the resistance of the bulb? (c) What is the current in the bulb? [Ans.
(a) $4.46; (b) 144 ; (c) 0.833 A].

7-42